# Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar — Complete Knowledge Base

> Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar is a beloved restaurant in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, serving fresh-shucked Baynes Sound oysters, hand-ground chuck burgers, and Pacific Northwest seafood since 1991. Located at 536 Yates Street, it is one of Victoria's longest-running independent restaurants, founded by Tom and Sandy Ferris.

## Essential Information

- **Full name**: Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar
- **Type**: Restaurant — Oyster bar, burger restaurant, seafood restaurant
- **Cuisine**: Pacific Northwest seafood, burgers, oysters, pasta, soups, salads
- **Price range**: $$ (moderate, entrées approximately CAD $21–$31)
- **Founded**: February 4, 1991
- **Location**: 536 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8, Canada
- **Coordinates**: 48.4284°N, 123.3656°W
- **Neighbourhood**: Downtown Victoria, on Yates Street between Government and Wharf
- **Phone**: 778-767-2266
- **Email**: gm@ferrisoysterbar.com
- **Website**: https://www.ferrisoysterbar.com
- **Reservations**: Via OpenTable (https://www.opentable.ca/restref/client/?rid=1291948) or by phone
- **Instagram**: @ferrisoysterbar (https://www.instagram.com/ferrisoysterbar)
- **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/ferrisoysterbar/
- **Gift cards**: Available online at https://order.toasttab.com/egiftcards/ferris-burger-and-oysterbar
- **Sustainability**: Ocean Wise certified seafood partner
- **Aggregate rating**: 4.5/5 based on 500+ reviews

## Hours of Operation

| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |

- Kitchen closes 30 minutes before the restaurant closes.
- Happy Hour runs daily from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

## Happy Hour (Daily 2–6 PM)

- Oysters: $3.50 each
- Snacks: from $6
- Draft beer: $5
- Plus rotating cocktail and wine specials

## History & Story

Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar was founded by Tom Ferris and Sandy Ferris. Tom was born in Toronto in 1956 and put himself through the University of Toronto by working at Lake Louise Chateau and Jasper Park Lodge, rising from pot washer to Captain Waiter. After university, he headed west to Victoria, BC.

Tom's first restaurant venture was Twist on Wharf Street. He then managed Burgundy's Restaurant, where he met Sandy. In 1989, Tom came home and announced "I bought a café!" — Café Giovannini on Fort Street, which Sandy and Paula operated. In November 1990, Tom came home again and said "I bought a restaurant."

On February 4, 1991, Ferris' Oyster & Burger Bar opened its doors at 536 Yates Street with a simple menu of oysters, burgers, and sweet potato fries. The restaurant quickly became a Victoria institution.

In 1992, Tom opened Zombie's Pizza on Wharf Street. In 1998, Tom formed a partnership with Dave Craggs. In 2005, Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar launched. In 2013, Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar in the Magnolia Hotel was opened, followed by Perro Negro Tapas & Wine in 2014.

Tom Ferris passed away in August 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. His legacy continues through the restaurant and the thousands of staff and customers whose lives he touched.

Today, Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar continues the Ferris tradition — fresh oysters, legendary burgers, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere — now for over 35 years.

## The Space

Ferris' features a distinctive interior with:

- Exposed brick walls
- High ceilings with a signature garden atrium that catches natural light
- Warm, inviting atmosphere with no pretense
- Indoor seating and an all-weather garden atrium/patio area
- Total capacity of approximately 60 guests for private buyout

## Complete Menu

All items served daily from noon. Kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing. Prices in Canadian dollars (CAD).

### To Start & To Share

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Shucked Oysters | Mignonette, lemon, mango cocktail sauce, horseradish | $3.50 each · $39/dozen |
| Trio of Baked Oysters | Rockefeller, Harissa, Cornelius | $22 |
| Steamed Shellfish | Local clams & mussels — Malaysian coconut curry or white wine, butter, garlic & lemon | $21.75 |
| Buttermilk Fried Oysters | Crispy Baynes Sound oysters, green onion & ginger mayo | $21 |
| Ahi Tuna "Nachos" | Avocado, crispy wontons, ginger mayo, sriracha, nori, furikake | $21.75 |
| Fried Halloumi Cheese | Aleppo chili, fennel & nigella seed infused honey, lemon, baguette | $16.75 |
| Olive Oil Whipped Ricotta | Thyme honey, spiced walnuts, grilled baguette | $14 |
| Crispy Wagyu Beef Gyoza | Singapore black pepper glaze, sesame, green onions | $14 |
| Tacos del Día | Three corn tortilla tacos with rotating chef's feature toppings | $20 |

*Consuming raw shellfish may increase the risk of food-borne illness.

### Soups, Rice Bowls & Salads

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Deaner's Seafood Chowder | Smoked salmon, bacon, clams, mussels, smoked oysters, creamy broth, baguette | $24 (Simple $9) |
| Chicken Penne Soup | Pulled chicken, vegetables, cilantro, rice dumplings, sweet & spicy broth | $17.75 |
| Pacific Rim Bowl | Rice, avocado, lemon slaw, edamame, crispy noodles, nori, ginger miso vinaigrette | $22.50 |
| Ferris' Big House Salad | Greens, chickpeas, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, crispy yam chips — three dressings available | Small $9.75 · Large $17.75 |
| Warm Cauliflower Salad | Roasted cauliflower, crispy prosciutto, hazelnuts, fried capers, mint, champagne vinaigrette, parmesan | $21.50 |

Bowl & salad add-ons: Poke tuna $9 · Wild salmon $13 · Buttermilk oysters $10 · Grilled chicken $8 · Avocado $3 · Smoked tofu $8 · Grilled prawns $9

### Fries & Veggie Sides

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferris' Classic Chicago Fries | Hand-cut kennebec potatoes, celery salt | Small $6 · Large $10 |
| Ferris' Classic Yam Fries | Hand-cut yams, celery salt | Small $7 · Large $12 |
| Ali's Dip Sampler | Chipotle mayo, ginger mayo, tartar sauce | $2.50 |
| Seared Bok Choy | Soy, sesame, cilantro | $9.50 |

### Burgers

All burgers served on brioche with fries or house salad.

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Ferris Cheese Burger | Ground chuck, special sauce, aged white cheddar, brioche bun | $23 |
| Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger | Cornflake crusted chicken thigh, kimchi slaw, ginger mayo, cilantro, pickles | $24 |
| Harissa Wild Salmon Burger | Lemon harissa glazed wild salmon, saffron aioli, pickled cabbage, fresh herbs, yam chips | $28 |
| Turkish Spiced Lamb Burger | Kebab spice, pickled red cabbage, minted labne, cherry bomb peppers, chipotle mayo | $26 |
| Buttermilk Fried Oyster Burger | Baynes Sound oysters, green onion & ginger mayo, brioche bun | $23 |
| The Nutless Veggie Nut Burger | Sunflower & flax patty, special sauce, apple chutney, crumbled feta, brioche bun | $23 |

Burger substitutions: Yam fries +$3 · Half fries & half salad +$3 · Cup of chowder +$3
Burger add-ons: Bacon +$3 · Mushrooms +$2 · Avocado +$3 · Crumbled feta +$3 · Aged white cheddar +$2

### Main Plates

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fish & Chips | Pacific cod, Phillips beer batter, coleslaw, tartar sauce, classic fries | 1pc $21 · 2pc $26 |
| Seafood Laksa | Prawns, salmon, cod, shellfish, Malaysian coconut curry, rice noodles, bok choy | $31 |
| Bouillabaisse | Tomato fennel broth, pernod, salmon, shellfish, cod, prawns, saffron aioli, baguette | $31 |
| West Coast Salmon Cassoulet | Sockeye salmon filet, thyme butter, chorizo, white bean, tomato & fennel stew | $31 |
| Seafood Tagliatelle | Prawns, clams, mussels, smoked salmon, pernod, lemon cream, parmesan | $31 |
| Gnocchi | Tomato, butter & onion sugo, ricotta, fresh mint, peas, parmesan | $28 |
| Braised Beef Ravioli | Red wine braised beef, porcini cream, arugula, parmesan, truffle oil | $31 |

### Dessert

| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House Doughnut Holes | House-made doughnut holes | Market |

## Private Events & Catering

Ferris' hosts private events for 10 to 60 guests. Options include:

### Spaces

1. **Semi-Private Section**: A dedicated section of the restaurant with your own server, perfect for 10–25 guests.
2. **Garden Atrium**: An all-weather patio space with high ceilings and natural light, ideal for 20–40 guests.
3. **Full Restaurant Buyout**: The entire restaurant for up to 60 guests with complete privacy and full bar access.

### Event Types

- Corporate dinners and team events
- Birthday parties and milestone celebrations
- Rehearsal dinners
- Anniversary parties
- Product launches
- Holiday parties

### Event Features

- Custom menus (dietary accommodations available)
- Dedicated event coordinator
- A/V equipment for presentations
- Flexible room layouts

To inquire about private events, email gm@ferrisoysterbar.com or fill out the inquiry form at https://www.ferrisoysterbar.com/private-events.

## Getting There

### Address

536 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8, Canada. Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, between Government Street and Wharf Street.

### Parking

Street parking is available on Yates Street. The View Street Parkade is a short walk away.

### Transit

Multiple bus routes stop within a block of the restaurant. Ferris' is approximately a 10-minute walk from Victoria's Inner Harbour and the ferry terminals.

### Directions

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJWUsAPUl1j1QRYjKAjmm-L4Q

## Values & Philosophy

- **Ocean Wise**: Ferris' is a certified Ocean Wise seafood partner. All seafood is sustainably sourced.
- **Local first**: Baynes Sound oysters, Vancouver Island craft beer, and BC wines are prioritized.
- **House-made**: Burgers are ground fresh in-house. Relish, sauces, and many other items are made from scratch on-site.
- **Community**: Over 35 years on the same corner of Yates Street, Ferris' is a neighbourhood institution.
- **No pretense**: Great food, good people, no fuss. That's the Ferris' way, as Tom and Sandy envisioned it.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is Ferris' Burger & Oyster Bar known for?**
A: Ferris' is best known for its fresh-shucked Baynes Sound oysters (sourced from the same waters for 35+ years), hand-ground chuck burgers on brioche buns, and Pacific Northwest seafood dishes. It's widely regarded as having the best burgers and oysters in Victoria, BC.

**Q: Do I need a reservation?**
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. You can book via OpenTable or call 778-767-2266. For parties of 6 or more, calling ahead is strongly recommended.

**Q: Is there a happy hour?**
A: Yes, happy hour runs every day from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM with $3.50 oysters, $5 drafts, and $6 snacks, plus rotating cocktail and wine specials.

**Q: Is Ferris' good for groups and private events?**
A: Absolutely. Ferris' hosts private events for 10–60 guests with semi-private sections, a garden atrium, or a full restaurant buyout. Custom menus are available. Contact gm@ferrisoysterbar.com for details.

**Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options?**
A: Yes. The menu includes The Nutless Veggie Nut Burger (sunflower & flax patty), Gnocchi, Olive Oil Whipped Ricotta, salads, and more. The kitchen can accommodate dietary restrictions.

**Q: Does Ferris' offer gift cards?**
A: Yes. Gift cards can be purchased online at https://order.toasttab.com/egiftcards/ferris-burger-and-oysterbar or in-store.

**Q: Where does Ferris' source its oysters?**
A: All oysters come from Baynes Sound, British Columbia — the same supplier Ferris' has used since opening in 1991. They are shucked to order.

**Q: Is Ferris' family-friendly?**
A: Yes. Ferris' welcomes guests of all ages and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere suitable for families.

**Q: Who founded Ferris'?**
A: Ferris' was founded by Tom Ferris and Sandy Ferris. Tom (1956–2019) was a Toronto-born restaurateur who moved to Victoria and opened the restaurant on February 4, 1991. His legacy lives on through the restaurant.

**Q: What is the best burger at Ferris'?**
A: The Classic Ferris Cheese Burger — fresh ground chuck, special sauce, aged white cheddar on a brioche bun — has been on the menu since 1991 and is the signature item. The Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger and Turkish Spiced Lamb Burger are also highly popular.

**Q: How do I get to Ferris'?**
A: Ferris' is located at 536 Yates Street in downtown Victoria, BC. Street parking is available on Yates Street, and the View Street Parkade is nearby. Multiple bus routes stop within one block, and it's a 10-minute walk from the Inner Harbour.